BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Several organizations, including Stop the Violence Coalition, are calling out officials after they were promised at least $4 million of American Rescue Plan funds.
The City of Buffalo received $331 million in ARP funds.
Murray Holman, of Stop the Violence, says officials have not given the organizations a response.
"Now we might have to shut down our organization," said Holman.
Others that heavily depend on these organizations are devastated:
"Stop the Violence have been around for decades," said Diamond Hardwell, a parent. "It's very big in my life right now. Without Stop the Violence, a lot of violence will occur."
"They help our community," said 10-year-old Jaziah Walker
A spokesperson for Congressman Brian Higgins released the following statement:
“Congressman Higgins’ fight for pandemic relief delivered over $331 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding to the City of Buffalo and hundreds of millions more for cities and towns across Western New York. Each municipality is responsible for developing a plan for the use of those funds which follows guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Community Violence Intervention programs, like those led by the Stop the Violence Coalition, are an acceptable use of American Rescue Plan funding and the Congressman has publicly supported this investment. The final decision on the distribution of these funds ultimately lies with the City.”
A spokesperson for Mayor Byron Brown tells 7 News reporter Yoselin Person program requirements need to be met. However, Councilman Rasheed Wyatt is not going with that.
"We've been pushing desperately for this money to get out on the streets," Wyatt said. "Some of the folks who may be connected to the second floor have gotten their money. Organizations like Braymiller, and although that's a different part of money, they've gotten their money. But these organizations that desperately needed these funds, that were supposed to be used to rescue them, have not. It's very frustrating."
Stop the Violence Coalition plans to attend the next Common Council meeting to have their voices heard.
